Rubio speaks with Lavrov: What was discussed

This was reported on the official website of the U.S. State Department.

“Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today.  Secretary Rubio welcomed the prisoner exchange agreement reached during the May 16 Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul and delivered President Trump’s strong message: the United States is committed to achieving a lasting end to the Russia-Ukraine war. The comprehensive peace plan proposed by the United States outlines the best way forward. The Secretary emphasized President Trump’s call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the violence.”

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the call took place “at the initiative of the American side.” The two ministers exchanged views on the results of the Ukraine–Russia negotiations held the previous day in Istanbul.

“Rubio welcomed the agreements on the prisoner exchange and on both sides preparing their conditions for a ceasefire. He stressed Washington’s readiness to keep supporting efforts toward a settlement,” the statement said.

Lavrov, in response, noted the positive role played by the U.S. in getting “Kyiv to eventually agree to Vladimir Putin’s proposal to resume the Istanbul talks.”

He also confirmed that Moscow is open to continued cooperation with U.S. counterparts on this matter.

Secretary Rubio posted on social media platform X that in his call with Lavrov, he repeated Trump’s message: the bloodshed must end.

“The U.S. has presented a strong peace plan and we welcome the Prisoner of War exchange agreement reached in Istanbul. Let's not miss this huge opportunity. The time for ending this war is now,” he wrote.

• On May 16, a trilateral meeting took place in Istanbul between delegations from Ukraine, the U.S., and Turkey. After that, direct talks were held between Ukraine and Russia. According to Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, the sides discussed a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner swap, a possible ceasefire, and a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin.
• President Zelenskyy said the Russian delegation in Istanbul appeared weak and unprepared, with no serious authority.
• Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is possible, but only as a “result of negotiations” after agreements are reached.